Russell P. Leonard
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Russell Paul "Russ" Leonard, 90, of Pelham, NH, passed away on Friday morning, April 8th, 2022, surrounded by his loving family.
Born on August 23, 1931 to Rose (Bahsler) and Earl Leonard, Russell was a lifelong resident of Pelham, receiving his education locally and began working at a young age. Over the course of his many years and at the core of his many vocations, Russ was a farmer and a builder at heart. From his early years working on his parents' farm, he learned how to "grow" many things, literally, and figuratively. Along with the farm's cattle herds and poultry flocks, Russell grew his passion of farming by raising truckload quantities of fruits and vegetables and hauled them to local markets including Boston. After being drafted and serving briefly in the United States Army, Russell was honorably discharged to return home to work on the family farm since his brother was already serving. While working the family farm, Russell also assisted his father with Pelham's first school bus transportation business. The Leonard Farm ceased operations in the late 1950's following the Tennessee Gas Line and Route 38 construction dissecting most of the farmland.
With the changing times, Russell then expanded his construction and building skills working for such entities as Sev-a-Tel Builders, Balcolm Brothers, and Hirsch Brothers Construction. About this same time, Russell was building his own first home and met Elizabeth "Betty" Van Vliet and married in 1960.
As Russell and Betty were building their family of four children, Russell was also building rental properties on Route 38 in Pelham on nights and weekends. During this time, he also served the town of Pelham civically - as a member of the Industrial committee and as a volunteer firefighter.
Purchasing the small transportation business from his father in 1967, Russell grew Leonard Bus, Inc. into an eventual fleet of 30 busses and wheelchair accessible vehicles where he and Elizabeth worked together daily until they "retired" in 1987. He also kept busy during this time building his family a vacation home in York Beach, Maine, as well as a new home in Pelham where the Leonard Farm barn once stood.
Never one to sit still, Russell continued working each day in his garage, gardens, and beehives - buying, repairing and selling tractors, farm and horse equipment - much of which he used over the years with his various teams of horses and ponies. His love of agriculture and growing continued in the greenhouses of a new family business, Colonial Farm & Garden.
Not one for extensive or extravagant vacations, Russell enjoyed taking guided bus tour trips with Elizabeth to the Amish country and places not too far from home.
Featured as a spotlight in the book, "Legendary Locals of Pelham" where he recalled many folklore type stories of Pelham, Russell most enjoyed visitors, guests or anyone that stopped by to pick his brain and talk about farming, equipment, his tiny house project or any pearl of wisdom from his years of experience.
Russell is survived by his children and their spouses, Jane and Peter Gauthier, of Lyndeborough, NH, Susan C. Leonard, of Londonderry, NH, Paul and Linda Leonard, of Pelham, NH, and Holly and Brian Howe, of Pelham, NH
Russell's grandchildren include Brian, Katie, Matt, Lizzy, Russell, Ben, Hannah, and Grace, as well as great grandchildren Kyleigh, Deegan, Easton, and Brox. He is also survived by his older sister, Helen (Leonard) Harris.
In addition to his parents, Russ was predeceased by his wife of 60 years, Elizabeth "Betty" Leonard; his sister, Doris (Leonard) Parker; and his brother, Ernest Leonard.
Calling hours will be held on Friday, April 15th from 4pm to 8pm at the Carrier Family Funeral Home, 38 Range Road, Windham, NH 03087. A funeral service will be held on Saturday morning, at 10am at the funeral home. Interment will follow at Gibson Cemetery in Pelham.
Russell always believed in giving to others. With this in mind, memorial donations may be made to either the Community Crossroads, 8 Commerce Drive Unit 801 Atkinson, NH 03811 or to the charity of one's choice.
Arrangements are in the care of the Carrier Family Funeral Home. For directions or to leave a message of condolence, please visit www.carrierfuneralhome.com.